SB 463 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING SECURITY OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION PROCESSES, ELECTIONS SITES, ELECTION WORKERS AND ELECTORS.

This bill establishes security measures around election sites, including polling places, early voting locations, and ballot drop boxes, by restricting the presence of law enforcement, prohibiting face-obscuring masks, and banning firearm possession within 250 feet of these locations. The law defines election sites broadly to cover various voting activities and sets specific exceptions for law enforcement acting under official warrants, emergency situations, or with state official permission. Violations of these provisions are classified as class C felonies and result in loss of voting rights, while the bill includes exemptions for lawfully carried firearms on private property and for certain school-related activities.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 6, 2026 Last action Apr 20, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill GAE Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was renumbered from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' following committee review. The most significant policy change is the reduction of the restricted buffer zone around election sites from 300 feet to 250 feet. Additionally, new language was added to clarify that individuals are prohibited from lingering within 250 feet of an election site, and a new exception was created allowing masks for weather reasons if the moderator agrees to their removal.
Scope change
The scope of the restricted buffer zone was narrowed from 300 feet to 250 feet, and the definition of prohibited conduct was expanded to include loitering within that zone.
REQUIREMENT

The prohibited buffer zone distance around election sites was reduced from 300 feet to 250 feet.

A new provision explicitly prohibits loitering or remaining within 250 feet of an election site.

A new exception allows individuals to wear masks within the restricted zone for weather reasons, provided they comply with a moderator's request to remove them.

DEFINITION

The term 'Referendum' was added to the list of defined terms in Section 1.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Apr 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable
upper
Apr 15, 2026
Upper · Passed
IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO COMMITTEE
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
upper
4 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors